If you haven’t been hanging around Daily Kos for that long, you may begin to wonder, “What is this Netroots Nation that keeps getting mentioned in Cheers and Jeers, Open Thread, etc.? Is it like The United States of South Carolina, Portlandia, Dubuque?”
Well, actually the genesis of Netroots Nation began right here on Daily Kos. Back in 2005 a group here, including Pastor Dan began to talk about how Kossacks can meet up in person. Gina Cooper picked up the ball and ran with it. Joining her that summer as the core team for this national convention, was Nolan Treadway, Fabooj, Shanna Ingalsbee and myself. Though it was touch and go in terms of whether we could pull it off, the success of that first year was beyond our wildest imagination.
The structure of Netroots Nation (now in its seventh year) includes dozens of panels, keynote speakers, training sessions and film series. More than 2,300 people attend year as well as up to 200 members of the media. Then there are the MANY on- and off-campus events including the annual Chairman’s Pub Quiz, the Community and Exhibit Hall, the Beer and Bacon soiree and, one year, the opportunity to hit a few balls on the Pittsburgh Pirates ballfield (sweet!)
So now you’re thinking about going to Providence, where this year’s convention will take place June 7-10. But hey, you’ll be going by yourself, what are you going to get out of it? Well let me tell you a story. I spoke to a woman at the end of last year’s convention. She lives in rural Georgia and had a blog to fight the good fight, but not much else. She said she never knew until she came to Netroots Nation what she can do with that blog. She was absolutely busting with excitement because she felt empowered by what she had learned and was ready to go home and make a big difference.
And yes, we’ve had big names speak at this convention that would make any progressive political geek swoon (then Senator Obama, Hilary Clinton, Howard Dean, Van Jones, etc.) but it comes down to what you get out of it. I have seen so many business and personal relationships come out of this convention. Marriages have been made and organizations have been born out of the camaraderie and networking that takes place at Netroots Nation.
I am honored to work with the terrific Netroots Nation staff and the dozens of volunteers who make this event one that so many Kossacks look forward to year after year.
So ready to join us this June in Providence, Rhode Island? Register here.
Have an idea for a panel, training or an entry for the Film Series? Click here to submit your proposal. Submissions due January 31st.